Dates and Walks January 2019

Updated 17th January 2019.

Happy New Year

Hopefully we will be able to experience many great walks together.

Advanced Notice: Walkers Meal 2019.

Date: Wednesday 13th March 2019.

Proposed Location Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford.

This is later than usual in order to avoid the February half-term holidays in Flintshire and Cheshire which together spread from 18th February to 3rd March 2019.

Towards the end of January I will endeavour to contact everyone I think may be interested.

Tuesday 1st January. 2019.


Hilbre Island.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 100' at a guess!

Start: South Parade, West Kirby Marine Lake. Park between the old baths and the Sailing Club at the Southern end of the lake Grid ref: SJ214860.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

It's a few years since we last did this walk on New Year's Day, but after looking at the Tide Guide, it looks like being a good option today. High tide is about 07-19, so we should be able to cross the sands following the tide as it goes out.

 Bring binoculars, their should be plenty of Wintering birds to see and hopefully seals too.

Fortified fruit cake will be provided, assuming that it hasn't all been eaten by those on the last two walks in December!

Wednesday 2nd January 2019

No planned walk.
Saturday 5th January 20180.

A Walk Around Hoylake and More.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: Royden Country Park. Grid ref: SJ246858.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

To get Royden Park, follow the A540 from Chester to Hoylake. After passing Thursaston Hill and Caldy Rugby Club, turn right at the roundabout onto Montgomery Hill (signposted Frankby). At the Farmers Arms turn right to stone gate post into Royden Park.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "More Pub Walks in Cheshire and Wirral.

Thia is a new walk for me, although much of it has been covered in walks that we have done. Part of the walk follows the beach from Red Rocks to West Kirby and then goes around the Marine Lake. High tide is at around 10-15 and is a erelatively a big tide 9.0 m / 29.4', but by the time we get there, we shouldn't have any problems walking along the beach.



Wednesday 9th January 2019.





Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur.

Distance: 7-9 miles. Climb: 1380'.

Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park: SJ138668

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This area of the Clwydians has so much to offer, and Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau are particularly good.  On a good day the views from both hill forts are superb.






Saturday 12th January 2019.

Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr.


Distance: 10 miles.(Less if we don't do the Point of Ayr loop). Climb: 200'.



Start at Prestatyn Barkby Beach.. I suggest that you park at Beach Hotel car park, (£2-00) On our visit in January 2019 , this is the same as the pay and display car park!) on the large parking area by the PC,  Grid ref: SJ068839



Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. You will need to go into the hotel to purchase a car park ticket.



This is a walk that is always on the list at this time of the year, as it is always a good time to see Little terns, so bring binoculars with you. Hopefully we will see orchids too.

High tide is at about 14-30, and is about 27.4', so we go through the Golf Course, Caravan Park and The Warren Nature Reserve on the way to Talacre and the Point of Air.We will take lunch using one of the picnic tables along the path leading to the Point Of Air. We will decide on the day whether to extend the walk as far as the RSPB observation point. Our return route will be along the beach. 


Wednesday 16th January 2019.







Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

On Tuesday I will be out from 07-00 in the morning, 

so contacting me by text or e-mail are the best options.

Alternatively contact me on Monday. 

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 700'

Start: Thursaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

This is a repeat of the walk that we did on 1st January 2010 and combines two walks from Raymond Roberts' booklet "Wirral Walks - the West Wirral Six". This is a relatively easy walk with good views along the way, especially from Thurstaston Hill. We hope to walk back Thursaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you. High tide is at 08-07, and is a 24.4' tide (7.4 m), By the time we get there, it will be almost low tide, so we should have no problems walking along the beach.


Saturday 19th January 2019.






Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest. 

Postponed - weather forecast for Macclesfield Forest predicts temperatures of 1 Celsius, but feeling like - 6 Celsius and probably snow.

See below for the replacement walk.

Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list at this time of the year. Wintering birds sometime visit the many reservoirs we walk around, so it is useful to bring binoculars just in case.






Replacement Walk.

Leasowe Lighthouse to New Brighton.


Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 200'.



Start: North Wirral Coastal Park car park. Grid ref: SJ257915.



To get to this car park, instead of turning left towards the lighthouse, as the A551 turns right onto Leasowe Road, go straight on (past PC block on right and cafe/snack hut on left). This car park has a good tarmac surface.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.



Usually this is a walk along the beach to Perch Rock Fort, However this time, High tide is at about 09-20, 8.7 m, 28.5'. Although his is quite a low tide, we may have to walk along the promenade to Perch Fort Rock. From Perch Fort Rock, we will continue onto Vale Royal Park (where we in the past we have had lunch) and onto Wallasey Gardens. Hopefully the weather will be a little less windy than last recent years, but if it is there is always the Wind Shelters by the Marine lake to sit in as we have lunch.

 After lunch, if possible we will walk along the beach back to Leasowe



Hopefully there will be plenty of birds to see, so bring binoculars with if you have any.










Wednesday 23rd January 2019.



Around the Little Orme to Rhos On Sea.


Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'.



Start: Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno.



Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.



This has become a regular walk at any time of the year, but it will be the first time that we have done it in December. The views from the top of the Little Orme are always superb, but the main reason for doing the walk so early in the year is to see if there are any Seals around Porth Dyniewaid. I last did this walk on 2nd December when we saw at least 53 Grey seals.



Bring binoculars with you if you have them.

Low tide is about mid-day, so we should have a good chance of seeing Grey seals on the beach.

 As the tide should be well out for all of the walk, we should be able to walk along the beach, particullarly in Penrhyn Bay and maybe beyond.


Saturday 26th January 2019.



A Walk on Halkyn Mountain from the Blue Bell Inn.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Common ground opposite the Blue Bell in, Halkyn. Grid ref: SJ209702.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m. (Always a bonus time to start for some!)

This is a walk devised by Steve (the former landlord at the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn. It covers much of our regular walk that we do called "Halkyn Mountain, Limestone and Lead". However this route takes us in a clock-wise direction and around Moel-y-Gaer before heading to Rhes-y-cae. It also takes us  around the North of the Pen-y-Henblas quarry - we have only seen the quarry from its Southern side.

Wednesday 30th January 2019


A Walk Around Waen, Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog.

Postponed due to bad weather  snow and ice warnings of treacherous road conditions in Flintshire.

Distance : 9 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Aberwheeler  is on B5429. Approaching from the Mold road, turn left and after passing the play area and Bro Lleweni. This lane is opposite the chapel and the bus stop turning area. Park carefully in the lane next to the houses. Grid ref: SJ096693.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is a walk taken from R.J.A. Dutton's book "Hidden Highways of North Wales". It explores the  Roman and Medieval Roads between Waen Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog. 

There is a good chance that this walk will be adapted to use quiet lanes if the riverside route looks boggy.

Moel y Gaer and Around Halkyn Mountain 26th Jamuary 2019

The Clwydians from Moel y Gaer Hillfort ramparts.,

Res-y-cae and Halkyn Mountain ahead.

Lunch time in a small quarry North of Pen-y-pwll-dwr quarry.

The Clwydians from the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

The Dee estuary from the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

The route to Windmill from the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

Walk stats: Distance 8.1 miles. Climb: 1506' (Wind assisted GPS reading). Realistically about 900' (Memory Map).

Time: 3 hours 56 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Jim.

We weren't sure what weather to expect, but strong gusty winds and rain were on the forecasts for later in the day.

In fact it was quite mild and at times sunny, and the wind di pick up just before lunch time, but we only felt a few spots of rain as we arrived back at the car. 

 Distant views from Moel y Gaer Hillfort were quite good, but the summit of Moel Famau was in cloud.

 In the recent past, the path on the West side of North of Pen-y-pwll-dwr quarry had been closed while work by the quarry owners was taking place. Thankfully the route was now  open, so we didn't have to take any detours to get to the North  side of the quarry.

 As we climbed the track between Bryn Mawr Quarry and Pen yr Henblas Quarry the wind picked. Approaching lunch time we started to look for a suitable sheltered spot, and eventually decided on a small quarry North of Pen-y-Pwll-dwr quarry which we had used in the past.

 Plenty of stones were available to sit on and for the whole of lunch we we bathed in warm sunshine and the wind seemed to have dropped a little.

After lunch we arrived at the trig point on Halkyn Mountain and Moel Famau was still in cloud. It was only as we crossed Halkyn Mountain towards Windmill that the wind increased in strength, but it never gusted to the extent that some forecasters had predicted.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a good walk, still dry although our boots were muddy underneath.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Collared dove, Jackdaw, Meadow pipit, Fieldfare and European robin.

 after walk drinks wee enjoyed at the Blue Bell In at Halkyn, where Weetwood's Best Bitter and Gwyn-y-Draig's Black dragon cider went down well

PC to PC and Back via the Little Orme 23rd January 2019

Oystercatchers and one Herring gull on the shore at Craig-y-Don.

A Fulmar at its chosen nesting site on the quarry cliffs East of the Little Orme.

Grey seals in Porth Dyniewaid (Angel Bay) on our first visit.

"Are you looking bat me?"

A Grey seal close to shore in Penrhyn Bay.

Turnstones on the rock sea defences in Penrhyn Bay.

Looking towards the Clwydians from St Trillo's Chapel.

A few more Grey seals on the beach in Porth Dyniewaid (Angel Bay) on our second visit.

At the start of the climb up the incline to the upper quarry.

A ship in the Irish Sea with snow capped hills in the Lake District behind.

Snow on the Carneddau.

At the trig point on Little Orme Head.

Looking across Llandudno Bay to the Great Orme from  Little Orme Head.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.7 miles. Climb: 975'.

Time: 4 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. (2.7 m.p.h. on my newest GPS).

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel and Ed.

We arrived at the Craig-y-Don start just as it stopped raining. On the cool side at 5 Celsius, but that was what we were expecting. The wind was only slight and it wasn't long before the warm sunshine made us feel inappropriately dressed in our Winter gear.

 As a change on this occasion we left visiting trig point on Little Orme Head until the return journey, and instead went round the South side of the Little Orme to the  Porth Dyniewaid (Angel Bay) quarry to look for seals.

 I got it wrong, and we arrived at Porth Dyniewaid (Angel Bay) just before high tide . With very little beach exposed, there was little chance of seeing lots of seals. We did see about five grey seals , three on the beach and a couple in the bay. our trip to Porth Dyniewaid (Angel Bay) hadn't been a complete waste of time asnd seeing the Fulmars taking up nesting sites was a bonus.

 The sun stayed with us all morning as far as Rhos Point, but unfortunately disappeared behind clouds as we sat down for lunch on the seats next to St. Trillo's Chapel.

 The tide was still too far inn for us to entertain any hopes of walking along he beach, so we had to retrace our steps to Porth Dyniewaid (Angel Bay).

 This time we did see more Grey seals, at least fifteen on the beach and about ten more in the water waiting for the tide to recede a little more before coming ashore.

  As we reached the cliffs above the upper quarry, spent a good few minutes looking across the sea, first seeing ships sailing an the noticing that mountins covered in snow behind - thery could only be the Lake District Fells.

 Arriving at the top of Little Orme Head, the view of the snow covered mountains of Snowdonia was much better being a little nearer.

 All that was left now was to return to the Coastal Path and follow it back to the start at Craig-y-Don Paddling Pool.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Black headed gull, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Common starling, House sparrow, Common blackbird, Collard dove, Woodpigeon, Great cormorant, Sonechat, Jackdaw, Carrion crow and Eurasian curlew.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, not a cold as we had expected and thankfully no more than a few minutes when it threatened to rain.

  After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter was excellent. It's a pity that I don't appreciate the landlord's sense of humour/comments to customers.

 We all agreed that climbing up the incline from the Porth Dyniewaid quarry is easier than descending as was the the path leading to the cliff tops above the upper quarry. A route well worth considering in the future.

Leasowe to New Brighton and Back 19th January 2019

Looking back towards Leasowe Lighthouse ten minutes after setting off.

.Turnstones on the rock breakwaters.

Common redshank feeding on the shore as the tide goes out.

The Stenna Line Ferry leaving Liverpool on the ebbing tide.

The Lighthouse at Fort Perch Rock.

Roosting birds on the pontoon in New Brighton Marine Lake.

Jim at the Black Pearl ship created from drift wood and other flotsam.

Leasowe Lighthouse in the distance.

Looking towards New Brighton  as we left the coastal path and headed towards Leasowe Lighthouse.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.9 miles. Climb: 366'.

Time: 4 hours 2 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Jim.

We set off from Leasowe with a little light rain in the air and distant views somewhat fuzzy, but at least it wasn't very windy and didn't feel as cold as most forecasts had predicted.

 The tide was well in as we set off and very little sand was visible to tempt us onto the beach. We did however walk on the beach from Fort Perch Rock to the Black Pearl pirate ship - a creative masterpiece.

 Although he wind was against us as we headed for New Brighton at lunch we had averaged 3.0 m.p.h. and consequently had to take an early lunch in one of the wind shelters next to New Brighton Marine Lake.

 Both before lunch and after lunch, we encountered lots of walkers, many of them with dogs, most of them friendly, especially two "Lassie Come Home" Collies. Unfortunely too many dog owners failed to pick up the presents left behind by their pets!

 In the end we didn't walk on the beach at all on the return journey and we were back at the car before two, just failing to pass the ten miles for the walk, despite extending the walk slightly by extending the walk to the Leasowe Lightghouse.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Mute swan, Mallard, carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common redshank, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Common gull, Pied wagtail, Purple sandpiper, Common starling and Black-billed magpie.

 Overall we had had a good brisk walk and for "Fit Bit" enthusiasts had easily achieved over 10,000 steps for the day and arrived back at the car with clean boots and without getting wet.

 We headed straight home, as Jim anticipated going to visit his mother who had earlier in the day been taken into hospital. Hopefully once there, the medics will be able to sort out the problem and she will make a quick recovery.

Thurstaston Common, The Dungeon, caldy and More 16th January 2019

Looking across the estuary towards Wales from the Wirral Way South east of Thurstaston Visitor Centre.

On Wirral Way South east of Thurstaston Visitor Centre.

The Dungeon South east of Thurstaston Visitor Centre.

Thursaston Church.

At the toposcope on Thurstaston Common.

The view from  the toposcope on Thurstaston Common.

At the trig point on Thurstaston Common.

Eurasian curlew in fields as we approached Caldy.

Free range chickens in fields as we approached Caldy.

The cross and church at Caldy.

Hilbre Island from he beach at Caldy.

Point of Ayr from the beach at Caldy.

Brent geese on the shore between Caldy and Thursaston.

The coast from Shore Cottage, Thurstaston looking towards Parkgate.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.1 mile. Climb: 597'

Time: 4 hours 7 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and David S.

With a forecast of rain in the morning and the possibility of sunshine in the afternoon, we optimistically set off. The forecast was pretty good, and the rain we had ws minimal, and indeed as we finished the walk along the beach we were in glorious sunshine.

 Views across the estuary before lunch weren't particularly good, but did improve as we reached the beach at Caldy.

 This was a varied walk, and took us along paths that we hadn't used for some time, especially around ThustastonCommon and Roden Park.

 Lunch was taken at Royden Park, where we took advantage of one of the many picnic tables.

 It was a little early for lunch really, but e knew his was the last chance we would have to have a bench and table to use at lunch.

 Once again we went past the farm at Caldy where we could see hundreds of chickens running freely in the fields next to the sheds, many running towards us as they saw us walking on the adjacent footpath.

 The walk along the beach from Caldy to Thursaston, was a pleasant stroll, with distant views towards Parkgate and accompanied by the conued calls of Oystercatchers and Eurasian curlews.

 we arrived back at the car, having had a very enjoyable walk and ready for liquid refreshments.

 Birds seen or heard today included: lue tit, Great tit, Bullfinch, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Eurasian curlew, European robin, Shelduck, Mallard, Common  coot Moorhen, Oystecatcher and Brent goose.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where Titanic's Plum Porter and Brimstage's Trappers Hat went down well.

Prestayn to Point of Ayr and Back 12th January 2019

Mute swans on Prestatyn Gutter .

On the beach heading towards Talacre.

Point of Ayr lighthouse.

Prestatyn Beach Hotel in the distance.

Breaking waves near Barkby Beach just before high tide.

Oystercatcher roosting on the pepples on Barkby Beach at high tide.

The Coastal Path between Prestatyn Golf Course and the dunes near Barkby Beach.

Looking East over the dunes towards Talacre.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 1367' (GPS reading - testament to the strength of the wind), In reality about 150'.

Time: 4 hours 30 minute. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. (2.9 m.p.h. on my newest GPS). Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Marty and Jim.

 An overcast day, with a strong wind assisting us on the outward journey, but at least we didn't get wet. A short spell of light rain accompanied us along the dunes a we approached the the end of the walk.

 Heading for Talacre, the tide was well out and we walked along the beach to the Point of Ayr lighthouse.

 Looking for lunch spot that was sheltered from he wind wouldn't be easy, the best on offer was the Point of Ayr Bird Hide, but we did at least have a bench to sit on. A few birders were already there, looking out across the estuary as the tide came in (High tide was two hours after we arrived, and an hour and a half after bwe left)

 On the return journey, we first headed through The Warren Nature Reserve, where at one point we saw sixteen Black-billed magpies, the most that I have ever seen in one place at the same time.

  Our return route was planned to be along he beach from the Little tern viewpoint, but we were eventually forced to take the Coastal Path through the sand dunes as we approached the Barkby Beach.

 With high tide covering the sandy beach, lots of Oystercatchers were roosting on the pebbles and rocks near the dunes.Birds seen and heard today included: Mallard, Teal, Little grebe, Common coot, Moorhen, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion crow, Fieldfare,  Eurasian curlew, Shelduck, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Linnet, Winter wren, Common redshank and Woodpigeon.

 We arrived back at the car, having had an enjoyable , bracing 10 mile walk.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where two brews from Lees  (Including Tan y Draig / Dragon's Fire)were sampled as well as the Gwynt y Draig's Black Dragon Cider.

.

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau 9th January 2019

Snowdonia from the slopes of Moel Arthur..

Snowdonia from the slopes of Moel Arthur..

Arrenig Fawr from Moel Arthur.

At the top of Moel Arthur.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral  in the distance as we descendd Moel Arthur.

Dave Evans's dream home, but was it finished to his original plans?

The view from the RCGAF lunch spot.

Moel Famau from the RCGAF lunch spot.

At the summit cairn on Penyclddiau.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles. (7.8 miles on my newest GPS). Climb: 1295'.

Time: 4 hours 32 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. (2.5 m.p.h.on my newest GPS)..

Group: Martyn, Roger, Sue and Michel and Ed.

This was a glorious day for walking, a touch warmer an it would have been the first shorts day in 2019! Largely blue skies, hardly any wind and at times warm sunshine. However at times gloves were needed, particularly as we approached the top of Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.

 As we set off, the distant views of Snowdonia were good, and we were optimistic that they would get better as we reached Penycloddiau. Alas this didn't happen and the best views were seen from the top of Moel Arthur.

  A testament to the fine weather was the fact that we saw lots of other walkers, most of them with more than one dog.

 Lunch was taken just round the corner from the impressive water tank on the West side of Penycloddiau, taking advantage of the suitably angled grass bank at a spot that will be forever known by the group as the RCGNF (Roger Can  Go No Further) lunch spot.

 After lunch we set off along a pleasant track contouring around the West side of Pencloddiau to Offa's Dyke that headed South west to the summit. It always seems like a hard climb, but in reality is only a steady gentle climb of just over a mile.

 The views towards the Dee Estuary and Moel Famau were good, but by now the high tops of Snowdonia were in cloud.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a really good walk in almost perfect weather conditions and boots requiring just a little cleaning when we got home.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common buzzard, European robin, Carrion crow, Raven, Wood nuthatch, Common chaffinch, Black billed magpie, Blue tit, Great tit and Meadow pipit.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where the Lees bitter was excellent. A short pint was reluctantly toppd up, not the best way to encourage customers make to return for another pint!. No doubt I will, the Lees Bitter is so good!